Article of Faith Stars

Back in January the Primary President issued a challenge to the senior primary kids in our ward to memorize all 13 Articles of Faith. Junior primary children could also do it if they wished, but it was not a challenge given to them. Once they had they could earn a prize - a box containing 13 star shaped, yellow frosted sugar cookies.

We had several older kids do it throughout the year. One other girl in Jacob's class finished at the end of November and Jacob and Jane finished last week - just in the nick of time. Jane was the only junior primary child to pass them off.

I was the presidency member who made the treat boxes each time, so I was so pleased to be able to make the final two for Jacob & Jane. So proud of them!

Merry, Merry.

Sandy Hook: "Evil did not win."

One year ago Rick had just left to take Emily to an away swim meet for 2 days. Jacob was home sick, resting on the couch & watching TV. I was in the kitchen working on holiday baking. My phone rang, and it was my sister in law Mindy. She had seen the news and was calling to see if my kids were OK. I didn't know what she was talking about. She sobbed out the words ... and by the end of the call I was in tears too.

Having Jacob at home, I did not turn on the TV, but rather searched on my phone, horrified and heartbroken, trying not to have any visible reaction that would alert Jacob to the situation.

 

The only one of my children in school that day was my little Jane. My 1st grader - just the same age as those lost, in a school just like theirs, in a town just like theirs. I stifled sobs and fought the urge to rush up to the school and carry her home. Safe with me.

As a mother, every single time I have thought of the victims of Sandy Hook in the year since, tears have welled up in my eyes. I cannot begin to imagine the pain the families feel.

The Parker's are in my Stake and spoke at the adult session of our  Stake Conference this fall. I was touched by their testimony and am absolutely humbled by their faith.

This video is so encouraging. My absolute favorite part is -

"God allowed others to kill His Son. He allows for us all to make our own choices, good and bad. Because that's the only way good can be in us - is if we freely choose it over all else."

The families of Sandy Hook victims did not want a memorial but asked that people give acts of kindness & service instead. I am trying hard to fulfill that wish and allowing the good to lift my spirit.

Snow Day

So, the kids had their first snow day of the year today. They had a 90 minute delay yesterday. It's ridiculous what they call a snow day for here - and usually it's before a single flake has even fallen. At least this snow day actually had some snow! Honestly, I don't mind a snow day because I love an extra day with my kids - it's the days they tack onto the end of the year to make up for it that kills me!

The chickens weren't quite sure what to make of it. The snow stuck to the outside of their pen and made a little snow house for them.

We didn't get that much but they still had fun playing in the backyard.

Jane & Ciara made a snowman they (naturally) named "Olaf."

They built him on a sled, so he would be portable, which was brilliant.

Then when they finished playing with him, they "parked" him in the lacrosse goal to protect him until they wanted to play with him again.

Jacob & the neighbor boys sledded for hours.

I did go out and remind them not to make their jump heading into the tree or large boulders!

Love this kid SO much!

I was supposed to have a Primary Presidency meeting in the morning but with the snow day (and one of the ladies throwing up toddlers) we decided to do a phone conference instead. The kids went out to play and I got on my call. Two hours later when our meeting was finished the kids were outside still playing happily and I realized "This is it! Part of being in the sweet spot." They are old enough to really entertain themselves outside for a good length of time in the snow! We are past the days of gearing them up and them coming back in 15 minutes later - only to want to go back out 30 minutes after that.

Life is pretty good. Especially on a snow day.

Lucky

Rick called me just before Thanksgiving.

Rick: "Don't be mad" he said.

"And don't tell me it was a waste of money, or that I should have checked with you first."

Me: What did you do?"

Rick: "I bought an iRobot."

Seriously! I told him those things never work and it was a waste of money and this is what happens when he is bored & online.

It arrived and Rick excitedly charged up the battery and got it going. He tried washing with it too. Then he re-charged the battery and used it again.
Guess what? I LOVE it. The "wash" setting is pretty much useless but as a Swiffer - it is amazing! We used the cloths it came with at first but I wasn't cycling through washing them fast enough, so now we have switched to disposable Swiffer cloths.

It is a wonder at picking up all the dog hair. I pretty much keep it going non-stop. As soon as it's recharged, I set it up again, even while we sleep.

A few days later Jane said something about looking for "Lucky." 

Me; Who's Lucky?

J: The floor robot. I named him Lucky.

Me; Why Lucky?

J: Because you weren't sure you were going to like him, so he was Lucky to get the job.

Having Lucky around sure makes it easier to have Millie around.

Welcome to the family, Lucky!